Reflections from the WICT Leadership Conference: The Power of Us

In October, I had the privilege of attending the WICT Leadership Conference in New York City, a transformative experience that left me inspired and energized. This year’s theme, “The Power of Us – Elevate. Innovate. Accelerate.”, perfectly captured the spirit of the event: collaboration and innovation as catalysts for growth. 

From the opening keynote with Fran Drescher, who reminded us that true leadership is rooted in empathy and intellect, to breakout sessions tackling topics like toxic productivity and the optimism advantage, every moment reinforced the importance of leading with purpose. 

One of my favorite parts was the Pearls of Wisdom capstone; TED-style talks from leaders shaping the future of business and culture. Hearing stories of resilience, authenticity, and creativity reminded me that leadership isn’t just about influence; it’s about connection and community. 

I left NYC with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to elevate others, innovate boldly, and accelerate progress in my own sphere. A special thank you to The WICT Network: Greater Philadelphia for awarding me a scholarship to attend this incredible conference. Your support made this experience possible, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with such inspiring leaders. 

Andi Odjemski